Karisma Records is proud to announce the new album from the Norwegian instrumental art/prog/post-rock quintet The Samuel Jackson Five, their first full length album in nearly a decade. The band returns with “A Passage to Elsewhere”, whichis set to be released on Karisma Records on the 30th of October.
While associated with the more cinematic and textural post-rock scene, The Samuel Jackson Five have since their 2004 debut “Same Same But Different” always operated on the outside of the genre’s gravitational pull. Continuing their open-minded musical journey, the band fully embraces their instrumental roots this time.
The third single from the album is the track “ICU” which you can check out here:
The Samuel Jackson Five has this to say about “ICU”:
ICU is the final single before the release of the full album, and the first song recorded for the album. Also our longest track to date.
Rooted in our love of psychedelic rock, krautrock and Kosmiche musik, and the hypnotic joy of playing a phrase over and over until it dissolves and starts to transform.
The title operates as both: I see you and Intensive Care Unit, us deciding if we should pull the plug on the project or give it one last jolt. Recorded just before the onset of the pandemic, the track grew from an inspired jam session following a family emergency and a trip to the ICU, which fortunately resolved well. That sense of tension, release and overload runs throughout the piece.
Drawing from Kosmische Musik, ‘70s progressive rock, vintage library music, the jazz-inflected post-rock of Chicago and Toronto, imaginary folk, and experimental electronica, the result is a rich sonic tapestry. Rather than building towards predictable crescendos, “A Passage to Elsewhere” unfolds as an adventurous ever-shifting melodic journey, inviting the listener deeper in with each turn.
Staying true to the DIY ethos of earlier albums, the album was produced and recorded by the group, led by multi-instrumentalist Thomas Meidell and drummer Sven Andrén, the latter handling mixing at Klokkereint, his studio right outside Gjøvik. Featuring a star team of musicians from the Norwegian prog, metal and experimental music scene: The Chronicles of Father Robin, Tusmørke and Suburban Savages. With contributions by a cast of great guest musicians and friends, some recurring as saxophonist Dag Stiberg (Trollfest, Now We’ve Got Members) and violinist Magnus Nielsen (Magnus Moriarty™), and other new faces like Ola Mile Bruland (Actionfredag, Jordsjø), Åsa Ree (Meer) and experimental musician Jenny Berger Myhre.
With artwork by visual artist David Crunelle, the tracklist for “A Passage to Elsewhere” is:
1. A Passage to Elsewhere
2. Temporary Happiness Revival
3. Mid-Rite Crisis
4. The Department of Intermediate Affairs
5. Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
6. 1420 Svartskog
7. I.C.U.
8. Bright Galaxies, Dark Matters
“A Passage to Elsewhere” will be released on the 30th of October in CD, Digital and Orange Vinyl formats, and is available to pre-order now from:
For more information on The Samuel Jackson Five, please visit their Facebook page.
